Top 20 MMA Fighters Making the Most Money in 2023
Ranking | Age |
|---|---|
1. Conor McGregor | 35 years |
2. Jon Jones | 36 years |
3. Jorge Masvidal | 38 years |
4. Israel Adesanya | 34 years |
5. Francis Ngannou | 37 years |
6. Khabib Nurmagomedov | 34 years |
7. Demetrious Johnson | 37 years |
8. Kamaru Usman | 36 years |
9. Nate Diaz | 38 years |
10. Dustin Poirier | 34 years |
11. Max Holloway | 31 years |
12. Alexander Volkanovski | 34 years |
13. Tony Ferguson | 39 years |
14. Stipe Miocic | 41 years |
15. Valentina Shevchenko | 35 years |
16. Amanda Nunes | 35 years |
17. Zhang Weili | 34 years |
18. Charles Oliveira | 33 years |
19. Andrei Arlovski | 44 years |
20. Alistair Overeem | 43 years |
The world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has seen an incredible surge in popularity in recent years, and with that, the earnings of MMA fighters have also reached new heights. In 2023, BetMGM released the list of the top 20 highest-paid MMA fighters, and it’s a fascinating mix of talent, charisma, and business acumen. In this article, we’ll delve into the lives and careers of these elite fighters who have not only conquered the octagon but also the financial realm.
20. Alistair Overeem: $6 Million
Alistair Overeem: The Demolition Man
Alistair Overeem, with his striking power and diverse skill set, has left an indelible mark on the sport. His earnings of $6 million in 2023 reflect his contributions to MMA.
19. Andrei Arlovski: $7 Million
Andrei Arlovski: The Pitbull
Andrei Arlovski, a veteran of the sport, has had a long and storied career in MMA. His earnings of $7 million in 2023 demonstrate his enduring presence in the heavyweight division.
18. Charles Oliveira: $8 Million
Charles Oliveira: The Submission Ace
Charles Oliveira, the current UFC lightweight champion, is known for his exceptional grappling skills. His earnings of $8 million in 2023 reflect his dominance in the lightweight division.
17. Zhang Weili: $9 Million
Zhang Weili: The Magnum
Zhang Weili, the UFC women’s strawweight champion, has captured the imagination of fans with her incredible performances. Her earnings of $9 million in 2023 signify her rapid ascent in the sport.
16. Amanda Nunes: $10 Million
Amanda Nunes: The Lioness
Amanda Nunes, a two-weight UFC champion, has established herself as one of the best female fighters in MMA history. Her earnings of $10 million in 2023 reflect her achievements in the sport.
15. Valentina Shevchenko: $11 Million
Valentina Shevchenko: The Bullet
Valentina Shevchenko, the dominant UFC women’s flyweight champion, is known for her precision striking and martial arts prowess. Her earnings of $11 million in 2023 showcase her status as a top female fighter.
14. Stipe Miocic: $12 Million
Stipe Miocic: The Firefighter Champ
Stipe Miocic, a former UFC heavyweight champion, is known for his firefighter duties and his knockout power in the octagon. His earnings of $12 million in 2023 reflect his commitment to both professions.
13. Tony Ferguson: $13 Million
Tony Ferguson: The Cucuy
Tony Ferguson’s unorthodox fighting style and toughness have made him a fan favorite. His earnings of $13 million in 2023 are a testament to his resilience in the lightweight division.
12. Alexander Volkanovski: $14 Million
Alexander Volkanovski: The Aussie Champ
Alexander Volkanovski, the current UFC featherweight champion, has impressed fans with his tenacity and well-rounded skills. With $14 million in earnings in 2023, he’s become a force to be reckoned with.
11. Max Holloway: $15 Million
Max Holloway: Blessed With Talent
Max Holloway, a former UFC featherweight champion, is known for his incredible striking and relentless pace. His earnings of $15 million in 2023 are a testament to his skills inside the octagon.
10. Dustin Poirier: $16 Million
Dustin Poirier: The Diamond
Dustin Poirier’s resilience and striking skills have made him a fan favorite. His earnings of $16 million in 2023 are well-deserved for his performances in the lightweight division.
9. Nate Diaz: $18 Million
Nate Diaz: The Stockton Slugger
Nate Diaz, with his never-say-die attitude and exciting fighting style, has earned a special place in the hearts of MMA fans. With earnings of $18 million in 2023, Diaz is as popular as ever.
8. Kamaru Usman: $20 Million
Kamaru Usman: The Nigerian Nightmare
Kamaru Usman, the current UFC welterweight champion, is known for his relentless fighting style and incredible cardio. His earnings of $20 million in 2023 reflect his dominance in the division.
7. Demetrious Johnson: $22 Million
Demetrious Johnson: The Mighty Mouse
Demetrious Johnson, the former champion of the UFC’s flyweight division, holds the illustrious record for the most title defenses in UFC history. In 2023, he amassed a staggering $22 million in earnings and remains a highly esteemed figure within the mixed martial arts community.
6. Khabib Nurmagomedov: $25 Million
Khabib Nurmagomedov: The Eagle
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former undefeated UFC lightweight champion, remains a beloved figure in the sport despite his retirement in 2020. His earnings of $25 million in 2023 are a reflection of his lasting legacy.
5. Francis Ngannou: $27 Million
Francis Ngannou: The Predator
Known for his devastating knockout power, Francis Ngannou is the reigning UFC heavyweight champion. His earnings of $27 million in 2023 are a testament to his incredible rise in the MMA world.
4. Israel Adesanya: $30 Million
Israel Adesanya: The Stylebender
Israel Adesanya, the current UFC middleweight champion, has captured the hearts of fans with his flashy, striking, and unique fighting style. With $30 million in earnings for 2023, Adesanya’s star continues to rise.
3. Jorge Masvidal: $35 Million
Jorge Masvidal: The BMF
Jorge Masvidal’s meteoric rise in the UFC’s welterweight division has catapulted him to stardom. Known for his aggressive fighting style and charismatic personality, Masvidal’s earnings of $35 million in 2023 reflect his status as a fan favorite.
2. Jon Jones: $45 Million
Jon Jones: The Controversial Genius
Jon Jones, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, has long been considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Despite his share of controversies, Jones continues to earn big, with $45 million in 2023.
1. Conor McGregor: $110 Million
Conor McGregor, the King of MMA Earnings
Conor McGregor needs no introduction. The Irish mixed martial artist has not only dominated the UFC but has also become a global sports and entertainment icon. With an estimated earnings of $110 million in 2023, McGregor continues to set the bar high for MMA fighters both inside and outside the cage.
Conclusion
In 2023, these top 20 highest-paid MMA fighters are not only showcasing their skills inside the octagon but also redefining what it means to be a successful athlete. Their incredible earnings are a testament to their dedication, talent, and the ever-growing global appeal of MMA.
FAQS
Are these earnings guaranteed for the fighters?
Earnings in MMA can vary greatly, and these figures are estimates based on various income sources, including fight purses, bonuses, and endorsements.
Who is the highest-paid MMA fighter of all time?
As of 2023, Conor McGregor holds the title of the highest-paid MMA fighter of all time.
What factors contribute to an MMA fighter's earnings?
An MMA fighter’s earnings are influenced by their success in the cage, pay-per-view buys, endorsement deals, and marketability.
Do these fighters have other business ventures?
Many of these fighters have ventured into businesses outside of MMA, including clothing lines, gyms, and endorsements.
Will MMA earnings continue to rise in the future?
With the growing popularity of MMA, it’s likely that fighter earnings will continue to increase as the sport expands its global reach.
